Messor barbarus

Description

Species description Messor barbarus

Messor barbarus ants exhibit distinct polymorphism, which means that within a single colony there are individuals that differ in size and function. The queen, being the largest individual in the colony, can reach up to 14–16 mm in length. The workers are smaller and can be divided into several castes, depending on their size: from the smaller ones, about 3-6 mm long, to the so-called supermajors, which can measure up to 14 mm and are characterised by large heads used for grinding seeds.

One of the most characteristic features of Messor barbarus is their diet, which is based mainly on seeds. These ants are excellent gatherers, capable of transporting seeds much larger than themselves to their nest. In the nest, the seeds are stored or processed into “ant bread” – the colony’s primary food source. In addition to seeds, these ants can also consume insects, which adds a little protein to their diet.

Messor barbarus are also known for their building skills. They create elaborate underground nests consisting of numerous chambers and tunnels. In nature, these nests can be very extensive and deep, which is an additional attraction when breeding these ants at home.

The difficulty of breeding Messor barbarus

Messor barbarus are relatively easy to breed, making them an excellent choice for novice ant enthusiasts. Their diet, based mainly on seeds, makes them easy to maintain and eliminates the need for a constant supply of live food.

Messor barbarus breeding instructions

Providing a suitable environment for Messor barbarus requires an ant farm with enough space for a growing colony and a place to store seeds. Regular watering of the nest is crucial to ensure the right level of humidity necessary for the development of larvae. The most important thing when breeding Messor barbarus is to ensure they have as much peace and quiet as possible. Ants are very sensitive to any shocks and light. Especially at the very beginning of breeding, it is crucial to provide them with maximum peace and quiet. Then they will quickly repay you with lots of beautiful offspring.

The first days after purchasing Messor barbarus

After receiving your Messor barbarus colony, it is important to place the formicarium in a quiet location and give the ants time to acclimatise. During the first few days, minimise disturbances and observe the colony’s behaviour to ensure that the ants are adapting properly to their new environment. Ensure that the ants have constant access to water and grains. Only when the ants reach about 20-30 workers should you consider transferring them to their first small formicarium.

Guide on how to breed Messor barbarus